Hyundai has recalled more than 239,000 2019-2022 Accent and 2021-2023 Elantra cars to fix potentially dangerous seatbelt components. The move expands a recall that began with just a few hundred cars in March.
Most modern car seatbelts use a device called a seatbelt pretensioner that locks the belt tight against a passenger’s body as an accident unfolds. Pretensioners work thanks to tiny explosive charges, like those used in airbag inflators.
In some Hyundai vehicles, that tiny explosion has not been contained the way it is supposed to be. Instead, the bursts have sent small metal fragments into the cabin where they can injure passengers.
Hyundai is aware of only three accidents involving the defect, and none were fatal.
Hyundai dealers will install a new cap that should secure the pretensioners and make them work as designed.
Recall repairs are always free. Manufacturers attempt to contact every owner, but they don’t always reach them all with the news. Find out if your car has ever been recalled at our recall center.
